Deuterated triazolopyridazine as a kinase modulator

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to a triazolopyridazine compound of formula (I), N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof, wherein D represents deuterium, the use of such compounds as protein tyrosine kinase modulators, particularly inhibitors of c-Met, and the use of such compounds to reduce or inhibit kinase activity of c-Met in a cell or a subject, and modulate c-Met expression in a cell or subject, and the use of such compounds for preventing or treating in a subject a cell proliferative disorder and/or disorders related to c-Met. The present invention is further directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds of the present invention and to methods for treating conditions such as cancers and other cell proliferative disorders.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a novel compound that functions as a proteintyrosine kinase modulator. More particularly, the invention relates to anovel compound that functions as an inhibitor of c-Met.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a triazolopyridazine as an inhibitor oftyrosine kinases, including c-Met. Triazolopyridazines have beenreported with useful therapeutic properties including in WO2007/075567.

Protein kinases are enzymatic components of the signal transductionpathways that catalyze the transfer of the terminal phosphate from ATPto the hydroxy group of tyrosine, serine and/or threonine residues ofproteins. Thus, compounds that inhibit protein kinase functions arevaluable tools for assessing the physiological consequences of proteinkinase activation. The overexpression or inappropriate expression ofnormal or mutant protein kinases in mammals has been a topic ofextensive study and has been demonstrated to play a significant role inthe development of many diseases, including diabetes, angiogenesis,psoriasis, restenosis, ocular diseases, schizophrenia, rheumatoidarthritis, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and cancer. Thecardiotonic benefit of kinase inhibition has also been studied. In sum,inhibitors of protein kinases have particular utility in the treatmentof human and animal disease.

The hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) (also known as scatter factor (SF))receptor, c-Met, is a receptor tyrosine kinase that regulates cellproliferation, morphogenesis, and motility. The c-Met gene is translatedinto a 170 kD protein that is processed into a cell surface receptorcomposed of a 140 kD beta transmembrane subunit and 50 kD glycosylatedextra cellular alpha subunit.

Mutations in c-Met, over-expression of c-Met and/or HGF/SF, expressionof c-Met and HGF/SF by the same cell, and overexpression and/or aberrantc-Met signaling is present in a variety of human solid tumors and isbelieved to participate in angiogenesis, tumor development, invasion,and metastasis.

Cell lines with uncontrolled c-Met activation, for example, are bothhighly invasive and metastatic. A notable difference between normal andtransformed cells expressing c-Met receptor is that phosphorylation ofthe tyrosine kinase domain in tumor cells is often independent of thepresence of ligand.

C-Met mutations/alterations have been identified in a number of humandiseases, including tumors and cancers—for instance, hereditary andsporadic human papillary renal carcinomas, breast cancer, colorectalcancer, gastric carcinoma, glioma, ovarian cancer, hepatocellularcarcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, testicular carcinoma,basal cell carcinoma, liver carcinoma, sarcoma, malignant pleuralmesothelioma, melanoma, multiple myeloma, osteosarcoma, pancreaticcancer, prostate cancer, synovial sarcoma, thyroid carcinoma, non-smallcell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer, transitional cellcarcinoma of urinary bladder, testicular carcinoma, basal cellcarcinoma, liver carcinoma—and leukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas—forinstance, acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia(AML), acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia(CLL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), chronic neutrophilic leukemia(CNL), acute undifferentiated leukemia (AUL), anaplastic large-celllymphoma (ALCL), prolymphocytic leukemia (PML), juvenile myelomonocycticleukemia (JMML), adult T-cell ALL, AML with trilineage myelodysplasia(AML/TMDS), mixed lineage leukemia (MLL), myelodysplastic syndromes(MDSs), myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), multiple myeloma, (MM),myeloid sarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease (alsocalled Hodgkin's lymphoma).

Because of the role of aberrant HGF/SF—Met signaling in the pathogenesisof various human cancers, inhibitors of c-Met receptor tyrosine kinasehave broad applications in the treatment of cancers in which Metactivity contributes to the invasive/metastatic phenotype, includingthose in which c-Met is not overexpressed or otherwise altered.Inhibitors of c-Met also inhibit angiogenesis and therefore are believedto have utility in the treatment of diseases associated with theformation of new vasculature, such as rheumatoid arthritis, retinopathy.

Over-expression of c-Met is also believed to be a potentially usefulpredictor for the prognosis of certain diseases, such as, for example,breast cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma, pancreatic endocrineneoplasms, prostate cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma, colorectalcancer, salivary gland carcinoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma andendometrial carcinoma.

Many strategies have been devised to attenuate aberrant Met signaling inhuman tumors. Some of these strategies include the use of HGFantagonists and small-molecule inhibitors.

The safety, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and initial efficacy ofthe potent and selective c-Met inhibitor with the following structure

(hereinafter referred to as compound A)was explored in a phase I, first-in-human trial. This led to thedetection of unexpected renal toxicity. These data contradictedpre-clinical tests showing a clean toxicity profile in rat and dog.Extensive additional pre-clinical experiments were performed tounderstand the nature of the renal effects. Metabolism data pointed intothe direction of the rabbit to be a suitable toxicology species. Atoxicology study in rabbit showed that compound A did affect renalfunction and histological analysis revealed crystal formation withconsequently degenerative and inflammatory changes in the kidney.Further investigation suggested an aldehyde oxidase-dependent,species-specific, generation of insoluble metabolites that cause kidneydamage through crystal formation in the renal tubules. The followingmetabolites were found to form crystals:Metabolite 1:

6-{Difluoro[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazin-3-yl]methyl}quinolin-2(1H)-one.Metabolite 2:

6-{Difluoro[6-(1-methyl-H-pyrazol-4-yl)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazin-3-yl]methyl}quinolin-2(1H)-one.Solubility of Metabolite 2:at pH 4.84, solubility of 0.001 mg/mlat pH 7.33, solubility of 0.002 mg/ml.

Because no viable strategies were identified to circumvent the renaltoxicity, further clinical development of compound A was abandoned.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a novel triazolopyridazine as a proteintyrosine kinase modulator, in particularly an inhibitor of c-Met, andthe use of such compound to reduce or inhibit kinase activity of c-Metin a cell or a subject, and modulate c-Met expression in a cell orsubject, and the use of such compound for preventing or treating in asubject a cell proliferative disorder and/or disorders related to c-Met.In particular, the present invention relates to said compound for use asa medicine, for use in the treatment of a cell proliferative disorderand/or a disorder related to c-Met. The present invention relates tosaid compound for use in the prevention or treatment, in particulartreatment, of cancer, of a cell proliferative disorder and/or a disorderrelated to c-Met, or to the use of said compound for the manufacture ofa medicament for the prevention or the treatment, in particulartreatment, of cancer, a cell proliferative disorder and/or a disorderrelated to c-Met.

The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising the compound of the invention and a pharmaceuticallyacceptable carrier. Another aspect of the present invention is apharmaceutical composition prepared by mixing the compound of theinvention and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description of the invention and from the claims.

FIGURES

FIG. 1A: Western blot for EBC-1;

FIG. 1B: pMet protein levels normalized to actin in EBC-1 cells;

FIG. 1C: Western blot for Snu-5 B; and

FIG. 1D: pMet protein levels normalized to actin in Snu-5 cells.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the following compound of formula (I)

and N-oxides, pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof,wherein D represents deuterium.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to the following compound offormula (I)

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and solvates thereof, wherein Drepresents deuterium.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to the following compound offormula (I)

and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein D representsdeuterium.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to the following compound offormula (I)

wherein D represents deuterium.

It will be recognized that some variation of natural isotopic abundanceoccurs in a synthesized compound depending upon the origin of chemicalmaterials used in the synthesis. Thus, a preparation of compound A willinherently contain small amounts of deuterium. The concentration of suchnaturally occurring deuterium is small (natural abundance is 0.015%) andimmaterial as compared to the content of deuterium of the compound ofthis invention.

The compound of the present invention is distinguished from suchnaturally occurring minor forms in that the term “compound” as used inthis invention refers to a composition of matter wherein the abundanceof deuterium is much higher than the natural abundance (0.015%), e.g. atleast 1000 times higher (15%).

In an aspect of the invention, the compound of formula (I) has adeuterium content in 2-position of the quinoline (D) of at least 50%(D/H ratio at least 1:1), of at least 60%, of at least 70%, of at least80%, of at least 90%, of at least 91%, of at least 92%, of at least 93%,of at least 94%, of at least 95%, of at least 96%, of at least 97%, ofat least 98%, of at least 99%. Preferably the deuterium content in2-position of the quinoline (D) is at least 93%, more preferably thedeuterium content in 2-position of the quinoline (D) is at least 97% or98%.

When a position is designated specifically as “H” or “hydrogen,” or itschemical representation implies hydrogen, it is understood to havehydrogen at its natural abundance isotopic composition.

It was found that with the present compound of formula (I) the formationof insoluble/less soluble aldehyde oxidase mediated metabolites is downregulated. This may decrease renal toxicity.

Furthermore, it was found that there is a metabolisation switch for thepresent compound of formula (I) compared to the metabolisation ofcompound A (up regulation of CYP450 mediated metabolite formation). Incase of the present compound of formula (I) more of the N-desmethylmetabolite with the following structure is formed

(an active metabolite) compared to the formation of the N-desmethylmetabolite with the following structure

upon administration of compound A. This may lower the therapeuticallyeffective dose for the compound of formula (I) compared to compound A.

Further it was found that the compound of formula (I) also showsinhibition of the ¹⁴C-Metformin uptake in OCT2 cells.

As used hereinafter, the terms “compound of formula (I)” and “compoundsof formula (I)” are meant to include also the N-oxides, pharmaceuticallyacceptable salts and solvates thereof.

Pharmaceutically Acceptably Salts

The compound of the present invention may also be present in the form ofa pharmaceutically acceptable salt, in particular a pharmaceuticallyacceptable acid addition salt.

For use in medicines, the salts of the compounds of this invention referto non-toxic “pharmaceutically acceptable salts.” FDA approvedpharmaceutically acceptable salt forms (Ref International J. Pharm.1986, 33, 201-217; J. Pharm. Sci., 1977, January, 66(1), p1) includepharmaceutically acceptable acidic/anionic or basic/cationic salts.

Pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts include, and are notlimited to acetate, benzenesulfonate, benzoate, bicarbonate, bitartrate,bromide, calcium edetate, camsylate, carbonate, chloride, citrate,dihydrochloride, edetate, edisylate, estolate, esylate, fumarate,glyceptate, gluconate, glutamate, glycollylarsanilate, hexylresorcinate,hydrabamine, hydrobromide, hydrochloride, hydroxynaphthoate, iodide,isethionate, lactate, lactobionate, malate, maleate, mandelate,mesylate, methylbromide, methylnitrate, methylsulfate, mucate,napsylate, nitrate, pamoate, pantothenate, phosphate/diphosphate,polygalacturonate, salicylate, stearate, subacetate, succinate, sulfate,tannate, tartrate, teoclate, tosylate and triethiodide. Organic orinorganic acids also include, and are not limited to, hydriodic,perchloric, sulfuric, phosphoric, propionic, glycolic, methanesulfonic,hydroxyethanesulfonic, oxalic, 2-naphthalenesulfonic, p-toluenesulfonic,cyclohexanesulfamic, saccharinic or trifluoroacetic acid. Thepharmaceutically acceptable salts of the present invention also includestereochemically isomeric forms thereof.

Stereochemically Isomeric Forms

One skilled in the art will recognize that the compound of formula (I),in particular in case of salts, may have one or more asymmetric carbonatoms in its structure. It is intended that the present inventioninclude within its scope single enantiomer forms of the compounds,racemic mixtures, and mixtures of enantiomers in which an enantiomericexcess is present.

The term “single enantiomer” as used herein defines all the possiblehomochiral forms which the compound of formula (I) may possess.

Stereochemically pure isomeric forms may be obtained by the applicationof art known principles. Diastereoisomers may be separated by physicalseparation methods such as fractional crystallization andchromatographic techniques, and enantiomers may be separated from eachother by the selective crystallization of the diastereomeric salts withoptically active acids or bases or by chiral chromatography. Purestereoisomers may also be prepared synthetically from appropriatestereochemically pure starting materials, or by using stereoselectivereactions.

The term “isomer” refers to compounds that have the same composition andmolecular weight but differ in physical and/or chemical properties. Suchsubstances have the same number and kind of atoms but differ instructure. The structural difference may be in constitution (geometricisomers) or in an ability to rotate the plane of polarized light(enantiomers).

The term “stereoisomer” refers to isomers of identical constitution thatdiffer in the arrangement of their atoms in space. Enantiomers anddiastereomers are stereoisomers wherein an asymmetrically substitutedcarbon atom acts as a chiral center.

The term “chiral” refers to the structural characteristic of a moleculethat makes it impossible to superimpose it on its mirror image.

The term “enantiomer” refers to one of a pair of molecular species thatare mirror images of each other and are not superimposable.

The term “diastereomer” refers to stereoisomers that are not mirrorimages.

The symbols “R” and “S” represent the configuration of substituentsaround a chiral carbon atom(s).

The term “racemate” or “racemic mixture” refers to a compositioncomposed of equimolar quantities of two enantiomeric species, whereinthe composition is devoid of optical activity.

The term “homochiral” refers to a state of enantiomeric purity.

The term “optical activity” refers to the degree to which a homochiralmolecule or nonracemic mixture of chiral molecules rotates a plane ofpolarized light.

The term “geometric isomer” refers to isomers that differ in theorientation of substituent atoms in relationship to a carbon-carbondouble bond, to a cycloalkyl ring or to a bridged bicyclic system.Substituent atoms (other than H) on each side of a carbon-carbon doublebond may be in an E or Z configuration. In the “E” (opposite sided)configuration, the substituents are on opposite sides in relationship tothe carbon-carbon double bond; in the “Z” (same sided) configuration,the substituents are oriented on the same side in relationship to thecarbon-carbon double bond. Substituent atoms (other than H) attached toa carbocyclic ring may be in a cis or trans configuration. In the “cis”configuration, the substituents are on the same side in relationship tothe plane of the ring; in the “trans” configuration, the substituentsare on opposite sides in relationship to the plane of the ring.Compounds having a mixture of “cis” and “trans” species are designated“cis/trans”.

It is to be understood that the various substituent stereoisomers,geometric isomers and mixtures thereof used to prepare compounds of thepresent invention are either commercially available, can be preparedsynthetically from commercially available starting materials or can beprepared as isomeric mixtures and then obtained as resolved isomersusing techniques well-known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The isomeric descriptors “R,” “S,” “E,” “Z,” “cis,” and “trans” are usedas described herein for indicating atom configuration(s) relative to acore molecule and are intended to be used as defined in the literature(IUPAC Recommendations for Fundamental Stereochemistry (Section E), PureAppl. Chem., 1976, 45:13-30).

The compounds of the present invention may be prepared as individualisomers by either isomer-specific synthesis or resolved from an isomericmixture. Conventional resolution techniques include forming the freebase of each isomer of an isomeric pair using an optically active salt(followed by fractional crystallization and regeneration of the freebase), forming an ester or amide of each of the isomers of an isomericpair (followed by chromatographic separation and removal of the chiralauxiliary) or resolving an isomeric mixture of either a startingmaterial or a final product using preparative TLC (thin layerchromatography) or a chiral HPLC (high performance/pressure liquidchromatography) column.

Polymorphs and Solvates

Furthermore, the compound of the present invention may have one or morepolymorphic crystalline forms or may be amorphous. As such these formsare intended to be included in the scope of the invention. In addition,the compound may form solvates, for example with water (i.e., hydrates)or common organic solvents (e.g. alcohols). As used herein, the term“solvate” means a physical association of the compound of the presentinvention with one or more solvent molecules. This physical associationinvolves varying degrees of ionic and covalent bonding, includinghydrogen bonding. In certain instances the solvate will be capable ofisolation, for example when one or more solvent molecules areincorporated in the crystal lattice of the crystalline solid. The term“solvate” is intended to encompass both solution-phase and isolatablesolvates. Non-limiting examples of suitable solvates includeethanolates, methanolates, and the like. It is intended that the presentinvention include within its scope solvates of the compound of thepresent invention. Also the pharmaceutically acceptable salts andN-oxides of the compound of the present invention may form a solvate.Also the solvates of the pharmaceutically acceptable salts and N-oxidesof the compound of the invention are included within the scope of theinvention.

Thus, in the methods of treatment or prevention of the presentinvention, the term “administering” shall encompass the means fortreating, ameliorating or preventing a syndrome, disorder or diseasedescribed herein with the compound of the present invention or a solvatethereof, which would obviously be included within the scope of theinvention albeit not specifically disclosed.

Preparation of the Compound of the Present Invention

The compound of formula (I) can be prepared by reductive deuteration ofan intermediate of formula (II) wherein W₁ represents chloro, bromo oriodo, iodo being preferred, in the presence of deuterium gas and in thepresence of a suitable catalyst, such as for example a palladiumcatalyst, e.g. palladium on charcoal 10% (10% Pd/C), or a Pt catalyst, apalladium catalyst, in particular palladium on charcoal, beingpreferred, a suitable solvent or solvent mixture, such as for examplemethanol, deuterated methanol (d1-MeOD, d4-MeOD), tetrahydrofuran,N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), or mixtures thereof such as a mixture oftetrahydrofuran and methanol or a mixture of tetrahydrofuran anddeuterated methanol, the latter being preferred, and a suitable base,such as for example triethylamine or sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), thelatter being preferred. The catalyst is preferably dried since traces ofwater can act as an hydrogen source. Additionally, the catalyst ispreferably pre-deuterated with deuterium gas to remove catalyst boundedhydrogen. Additionally, the catalyst is preferably washed to removecatalyst bounded hydrogen. The v:v ratio of deuterated methanol totetrahydrofuran in the solvent mixture is preferably ranging from 1:9 to1:2, preferably is 1:4.

The compound of formula (I) can also be prepared by reacting anintermediate of formula (III) wherein W₂ represents a suitable leavinggroup, such as for example halo, e.g. chloro and the like, with anintermediate of formula (IV) in the presence of a suitable solvent, suchas an alcohol, e.g. n-butanol.

For the synthesis of intermediates of formula (III) reference is made toWO2007/075567, which is incorporated herein by reference.

The compound of formula (I) can also be prepared by reacting anintermediate of formula (V) wherein W₃ represents a suitable leavinggroup, such as for example halo, e.g. chloro and the like, with anintermediate of formula (VI) in the presence of a suitable catalyst,such as for example Pd₂dba₃, a suitable ligand, such as for exampleP(tBu₃)BF₄, a suitable base, such as for example Na₂CO₃, and a suitablesolvent, such as for example dioxane.

For the synthesis of intermediates of formula (VI) reference is made toWO2007/075567, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Intermediates of formula (V) can be prepared by reacting an intermediateof formula (IV) with an intermediate of formula (VII) wherein W₃ is asdefined above, in a suitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol,e.g. n-butanol.

For the synthesis of intermediates of formula (VII) reference is made toWO2007/075567, which is incorporated herein by reference.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a process of preparinga compound of formula (I) characterized by

a) reductive deuteration of an intermediate of formula (II) wherein W₁represents chloro, bromo or iodo in the presence of deuterium gas and inthe presence of a suitable catalyst, a suitable solvent or solventmixture, and a suitable base,

wherein D represents deuterium;b) reacting an intermediate of formula (III) wherein W₂ represents asuitable leaving group, with an intermediate of formula (IV) wherein Drepresents deuterium, in the presence of a suitable solvent,

c) reacting an intermediate of formula (V) wherein W₃ represents asuitable leaving group and wherein D represents deuterium, with anintermediate of formula (VI) in the presence of a suitable catalyst, asuitable base, and a suitable solvent,

or, if desired, converting the compound of formula (I), into atherapeutically active non-toxic acid addition salt by treatment with anacid, or conversely, converting the acid addition salt form into thefree base by treatment with alkali, or, if desired, preparing, solvatesor N-oxide forms thereof.

Examples of individual compound syntheses are shown below.

Example 1

a) Drying the Catalyst:

The catalyst 10% Pd/C (Escat 1931, BASF) was dried prior to use. Thefollowing conditions were applied

-   -   cabinet drier, applying 85° C./<100 mbar/24 hours followed by        applying 85° C./<1 mbar/24 hours    -   wet catalyst spread in a beaker glass (filling high<5 mm,        container covered with a tissue)        b) Pre-Deuteration of the Catalyst:

A shaked flask (6 L, glass) containing 19.3 g of dry catalyst (10% Pd/C,Escat 1931, BASF), 40.6 g sodium carbonate (2 eq., 0.384 mol, Aldrich71347), 1.6 l tetrahydrofuran (THF) (Aldrich 87371) and 200 mld1-methanol (Aldrich 151939) was flushed with nitrogen. The shaked flaskwas sealed, purged with three cycles deuterium/vacuum and finally setunder a deuterium atmosphere (1.05 bar, absolute). The shaker wasstarted and the catalyst was pre-deuterated at 25° C. for one hour.

Pre-deuteration was stopped by replacing the deuterium atmosphere withnitrogen. Finally, the solvent was removed by decantation.

c) Reductive Deuteration Procedure:

A slurry of 96.5 g starting material 1 (0.192 mol) in 1.6 l THF (Aldrich87371) and 390 ml d1-methanol (Aldrich 151939) was added to thepre-deuterated catalyst/additive mixture. The shaked flask was sealed,purged with three cycles deuterium/vacuum and finally set under adeuterium atmosphere (1.05 bar). The shaker was started and thedeuterium uptake was monitored. (During the first hour reaction time,the deuterium uptake was on a very low level.)

After 24 hours reaction time, the deuteration was interrupted byreplacing the deuterium atmosphere with nitrogen. An analytical samplewas taken and analyzed by HPLC. According to HPLC analysis, the startingmaterial was fully converted.

The reaction mixture was diluted with 11 dichloromethane (DCM), thecatalyst was filtered off and the filter cake was washed with 500 mlDCM. To isolate the desired product 2, the solvent was removed byevaporation at 45° C./vacuum. Approx. 100 g crude product were isolatedas a yellow solid (still containing inorganic salts).

Liquid-Liquid Extraction:

The crude product was taken up in 1.61 DCM/111M NaOH and transferredinto a separation funnel. After mixing, the two layers were separatedand the organic layer was washed with 11 deionised water. All aqueouslayers were extracted for a second time with 11 DCM. The two DCM layerswere combined, dried over Na₂SO₄ and finally the solvent was removed byevaporation (45° C./vacuum).

65.4 g product 2 (compound of formula (I)) were isolated as an off-whitesolid. According to HPLC analysis, the purity of the material was 97%.Based on ¹H-NMR analysis, the deuterium content in 2-position of thequinoline moiety was 98.6%

Starting material 1 was prepared according to the below reaction scheme:

step 1: in the presence of a suitable oxidation reagent, such as forexample mCPBA (meta-chloroperbenzoic acid), and a suitable solvent, suchas for example dichloromethane. The reaction was performed at roomtemperature.step 2: in the presence of TosCl (tosyl chloride;4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride), a suitable base, such as for exampleNaOAc (sodium acetate), and a suitable solvent, such as for exampledichloromethane, followed by reaction in the presence of LiOH, and asuitable solvent, such as for example an alcohol, e.g. methanol.step 3: in the presence of NaI, (CF₃SO₂)₂O (triflic anhydride;trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride), in the presence of a suitablesolvent, such as for example acetonitrile and pyridine.

Synthesis Starting Material 3

Starting material 4 (400 g) (compound A; WO2007/075567), mCBA(meta-chloroperbenzoic acid) (1.2 eq.) and dichloromethane (10V) (1 V is1 liter per kg of starting material) were mixed for 17 hours at roomtemperature. The mixture was neutralized with a saturated aqueoussolution of Na₂CO₃ until pH>8. The mixture was stirred for 0.5 hour. Themixture was filtered and the solid was washed with water until a pH ofabout 7. The solid was dried under vacuum at room temperature. Yield:410 g of starting material 3.

Synthesis Starting Material 2

Starting material 3 (410 g), TosCl (tosyl chloride;4-methylbenzenesulfonyl chloride) (2 eq.) and dichloromethane (20 V) (1V is 1 liter per kg of starting material) were mixed. NaOAc (4 eq.) wasadded and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours. The solvent was removedunder vacuum. Methanol was added (20 V). The mixture was stirred.LiOH.H₂O was added (5 eq.) and the mixture was stirred for 17 hours atroom temperature. The mixture was concentrated to remove 16 V ofmethanol and 20 V of water was added. The mixture was neutralized withconcentrated HCl until a pH of about 6. The mixture was stirred for 0.5hour and filtered. The solid was dried under vacuum at 50° C. The solidwas slurried with water (10 V) for 0.5 hour. The mixture was filtered.The solid was dried under vacuum at 50° C. The slurrying step and dryingstep was repeated once. Yield: 375 g of starting material 2.

Synthesis Starting Material 1

Starting material 2 (190 g), pyridine (1 eq.) and acetonitrile (10 eq.)were mixed and the mixture was cooled down to below 0° C. (CF₃SO₂)₂O (4eq.) was added slowly dropwise and the reaction temperature wascontrolled to be no more than 5° C. After addition, the mixture washeated to 20° C. and stirred for 1 hour. The reaction mixture was cooleddown to below 0° C. (CF₃SO₂)₂O (1 eq.) was added dropwise. NaI (7 V) (1V is 1 liter per kg of starting material) was added slowly and thereaction temperature was controlled to be no more than 5° C. Afteraddition, the reaction mixture was heated to 50° C. and stirred for 17hours at 50° C. Ethyl acetate was added, the mixture was washed withwater, 10% Na₂S₂O₃ solution, brine. The organic layer was dried withanhydrous Na₂SO₄, and purified with gel chromatography. Yield: 98.5 g ofstarting material 1.

Example 2

Synthesis of Intermediate 1

3-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (13.5 g, 78.4 mmol) was added portionwise to6-iodoquinoline (CAS 13327-31-6) (10 g, 39.2 mmol) in CHCl₃ (300 mL) atroom temperature. The reaction mixture was stirred for 2 days thenpoured into an aqueous solution of K₂CO₃ 10%. The organic layer wasextracted with dichloromethane (DCM). The organic layer was dried(MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated until dryness to give 10.5 g ofintermediate 1 (99%).

Synthesis of Intermediate 2

A mixture of intermediate 1 (5.2 g, 19.2 mmol) and a solution of NaOD(40% in D₂O) (3.4 mL, 48.4 mmol) in D₂O (100 mL) was heated to 100° C.for 2 days. The mixture was cooled to room temperature. D₂O was addedand the precipitate was filtered, washed with D₂O and dried to yield 4.9g of intermediate 2 (96%).

Synthesis of Intermediate 3

A mixture of intermediate 2 (4.8 g, 17.64 mmol), HCOO—NH₄ ⁺ (6.68 g,0.106 mol) and Ni of Raney (6.2 g, 0.106 mol) in MeOH (methanol) (130mL) were heated to 60° C. for 1.5 hour. The reaction mixture was cooledto room temperature, poured into D₂O, basified with K₂CO₃ and extractedwith EtOAc (ethyl acetate). The organic layer was dried (MgSO₄),filtered and evaporated until dryness.

The residue (4 g) was purified by chromatography over silica gel (80 gof irregular SiOH 35-40 μm, mobile phase: graduent from 100% DCM to 95%DCM 5% CH₃OH 0.1% NH₄OH). The pure fractions were collected andevaporated until dryness to give 2.9 g of intermediate 3 (83%).

Synthesis of Intermediate 4

(+)-sodium L-ascorbate (2.32 g, 11.7 mmol) was added to a solution ofCuSO₄.5H₂O (1.95 g, 7.8 mmol) in dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) (25 mL) underN₂ at room temperature and the mixture was stirred for 2 hours.Ethylbromodifluoroacetate (0.55 mL, 4.3 mmol) was added and the reactionmixture was stirred for 1.5 hour followed by the addition ofintermediate 3 (1 g, 3.9 mmol). After heating at 50° C. for 15 hours,the mixture was cooled down to 10° C. and NH₂—NH₂.H₂O (4.76 mL, 78.1mmol) was added. H₂O (12 mL) was added dropwise (exothermic) and themixture was stirred at room temperature for 20 minutes. EtOAc was addedand the mixture was filtered through a short pad of Celite®. The organiclayer was extracted, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated untildryness.

The residue (1 g) was purified by chromatography over silica gel (40 gof silica gel 30 μm, mobile phase: graduent from 100% DCM to 90% DCM 10%CH₃OH 0.1% NH₄OH). The pure fractions were collected and evaporateduntil dryness to give 0.42 g of intermediate 4 (45%).

Synthesis of Intermediate 5

A solution of 3,6-dichloropyridazine (4.57 g, 0.0031 mol),(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)boronic acid pinacol ester (3.82 g, 0.0184mol) and a solution of Na₂CO₃ 2M (18.3 mL) in dioxane (18.4 mL) wasstirred for 1 minute. PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂ (1.29 g, 0.0018 mol) was added andthe solution was heated at 80° C. for 15 hours. The mixture was cooledto room temperature and poured into water. K₂CO₃ was added and themixture was filtered through a short pad of Celite®. The organic layerwas dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated to dryness. The Celite® waswashed with CH₂Cl₂, the filtrate was dried (MgSO₄) and evaporated. Theresidue was crystallized from CH₂Cl₂. The precipitate was filtered anddried to give 1.5 g of a first batch of intermediate 5 (42%). Thefiltrate was purified by chromatography over silica gel (30 g ofSiOH15-40 μm, mobile phase: gradient from CH₂Cl₂ 100% to CH₂Cl₂95%/CH₃OH 5%). The pure fractions were collected and evaporated untildryness to give 1.58 g of a second batch of intermediate 5 (44%).

Global Yield=86%

Synthesis of Compound of Formula (I)

A mixture of intermediate 4 (0.41 g, 1.7 mmol) and intermediate 5[943541-20-6](0.335 g, 1.7 mmol) in nButanol (30 mL) was heated at 125°C. for 15 hours. The reaction mixture was cooled down to roomtemperature and evaporated until dryness. The residue was purified bychromatography over silica gel (40 g of irregular SiOH 35-40 μm, mobilephase: graduent from 100% DCM to 90% DCM 10% CH₃OH 0.1% NH₄OH). The purefractions were collected and evaporated until dryness. The residue (0.41g) was purified by achiral SFC (supercritical fluid chromatography)(Stationary phase: 2 ETHYLPYRIDINE 6 μm 150×21.2 mm, mobile phase: 85%CO₂, 15% MeOH). The pure fractions were collected and evaporated untildryness. The residue (0.387 g) was crystallized from diisopropylether.The precipitate was filtered and dried to give 0.315 g of compound offormula (I) (48%, the deuterium content in 2-position of the quinolinemoiety=93-94%). M.P.=201.6° C. (DSC).

Example 3

Synthesis of Intermediate 6

A mixture of intermediate 4 (0.42 g, 1.76 mmol) and3,6-dichloropyridazine (0.788 g, 5.3 mmol) in nButanol (12 mL) washeated at 130° C. for 2 hours. The mixture was cooled down to roomtemperature and evaporated until dryness. DCM was added and the mixturewas stirred with an aqueous solution of K₂CO₃ 10%. The organic layer wasextracted, dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated until dryness. Theresidue (0.9 g) was purified by chromatography over silica gel (40 g ofirregular SiOH 35-40 μm, mobile phase: graduent from 100% DCM to 95% DCM5% CH₃OH 0.1% NH₄OH). The pure fractions were collected and evaporateduntil dryness to give 0.385 g of intermediate 6 (66%).

Synthesis of Compound of Formula (I)

In a sealed tube, a solution of intermediate 6 (183 mg, 0.55 mmol),(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)boronic acid pinacol ester (343 mg, 1.65mmol), P(tBu₃)BF₄ (47.9 mg, 0.165 mmol) and an aqueous solution ofNa₂CO₃ 2M (1.65 mL, 3.3 mmol) in dioxane (4 mL) was purged with N₂ for10 minutes. Pd₂dba₃ (101 mg, 0.11 mmol) was added and the mixture waspurged for an additional 5 minutes. The mixture was heated at 85° C. for15 hours and cooled to room temperature.(1-Methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)boronic acid pinacol ester (343 mg, 1.65mmol), P(tBu₃)BF₄ (47.9 mg, 0.165 mmol), Pd₂dba₃ (101 mg, 0.11 mmol) andan aqueous solution of Na₂CO₃ 2M (1.65 mL, 3.3 mmol) were added and themixture was heated to 85° C. for 5 hours. The mixture was cooled down toroom temperature, poured into H₂O+K₂CO₃ and extracted with EtOAc. Theorganic layer was dried (MgSO₄), filtered and evaporated until dryness.The residue was purified by chromatography over silica gel (24 g ofirregular SiOH 35-40 μm, mobile phase: graduent from 100% DCM to 95% DCM5% CH₃OH 0.1% NH₄OH). The pure fractions were collected and evaporateduntil dryness to give 58 mg of compound of formula (I) (28%, thedeuterium content in 2-position of the quinoline moiety was 93-94%).

NMR Method Used to Determine Content of Deuterium/Hydrogen in Example 1

Instrument Bruker Avance 300 Solvent CDCl₃ Sample Preparation 10-25 mgin 0.7 ml CDCl₃, filtered Probe head 5 mm QNP 1H/13 Pulse program zg30Number of Scans 16 or 254 Temperature 29° C. Relaxation time 4.6 sec.Chemical Shifts According to ¹H-NMR prediction a chemical shift of 8.84ppm is expected (ChemOffice). Based on the integral and the expectedchemical shift, the hydrogen signal was allocated in the range of 8.9 to9.0 ppm to the corresponding position.NMR Method Used to Determine Content of Deuterium/Hydrogen in Example 2and 3

Instrument Bruker Avance III 500 Solvent DMSO or CDCl₃ SamplePreparation ~4 mg in 0.7 ml CDCl₃ or DMSO Probe head 5 mm TXI Z-GRD(¹H/¹³C/¹⁵N) Pulse program zg30 Number of Scans 16 Temperature 22° C.Relaxation time 1 sec. Chemical Shifts Deuterium/hydrogen ratio measuredbased on the integral and chemical shift at 9.02 ppm.Analytical HPLC Method for Determination of the Product Purity inExample 1

Instruments Agilent Chemstation 1100 Column Agilent Eclipse Plus, C184.6 × 100 mm, 3.5 um Solvent A: Water + 0.1% TFA; B: ACN + 0.1% TFAGradient 1% B to 100% in 10 min, then 2 min at 100% B; post time: 2 minFlow 1.0 ml/min. Detection: UV (220 nm) Temperature 30° C. Sampleconcentration 0.5 mg product in 1.0 ml MeOH Injection volume 1.0 μL Runtime 14 min. Retention times: Product 2 (compound of formula (I)): 5.1minutes.Biological Activity

The following representative assays can be performed in determining thebiological activities of the compound within the scope of the invention.They are given to illustrate the invention in a non-limiting fashion.

Inhibition of Proliferation of Cancer Cells Carrying Met Amplificationand Dependent on Met Signaling by the Compound of Formula (I)

Proliferation Assay with Alamar Blue

Cells were seeded out in a 96-well plate in 180 μl growth medium.Depending on the growth curve test the amount of cells per well wasdifferent for each cell line. The cells were incubated overnight in anincubator at 37° C. in a humidified 5% CO₂ atmosphere. The next day: Thecompound plate was prepared and 4 μl of compound was added to 196 μl ofpre-warmed medium. 20 μl of this was added to 180 μl of cells. This wasincubated for 4 days after adding the compound at 37° C. in a humidified5% CO₂ atmosphere. After the 4 days 40 μl of Alamar blue solution wasadded. This was incubated at 37° C. in a humidified 5% CO₂ atmospherefor 4 hours (depending on the cell line this was tested before atdifferent hours of incubation during the growth curve test). After the 4hours the fluorescence was measured at excitation 530 nm, emission 590nm. The fluorescence of control (DMSO treatment) was taken as 100% andthe fluorescence of cells incubated with compounds was calculatedagainst the control in %. So a dose response curve could be made and aIC₅₀ could be calculated.

Growth Medium, Cell Culture Medium Used:

For Snu-5 Medium

IMDM 500 ml 20% FCS 120 ml 2 mM L-Glutamine  6 ml 50 μg/ml Gentamycine 6 mlFor EBC-1 Medium

EMEM 500 ml  10% FCS  57 ml 2 mM L-Glutamine 5.7 ml 1% PenStrep 5.7 mlResults:

IC₅₀ compound A IC₅₀ compound of Cell line [M] formula (I) [M] SNU-51.38E−8 1.32E−8 EBC1 1.34E−08  1.2E−08Inhibition of Phosphorylation of Met in Dose Response by Compound ofFormula (I)Western BlotCell line: EBC-1 and Sun-5

Samples were run on SDS-PAGE. After that the gel was run on an I-Blotmachine (Invitrogen). Principle: by electrical the proteins weretransferred to the PDVF membrane.

The PDVF membrane was first blocked for 1 hour at room temperature withblocking buffer (Odyssey Blocking buffer (PBS); Licor). After blockingthe membrane was incubated with the primary antibody for overnight at 4°C. The next day the blots were washed with TBS-tween 0.1% 3 times 5minutes. The secondary antibody was put onto the blot for 1 hour at roomtemperature. After incubation the blots were washed with TBS-tween 0.1%for 3 times 5 minutes. The blots were scanned for signal.

Antibodies Used:

Primary Antibodies:

-   -   Cell Signaling technology #3077, anti-pMet (Tyr1234/1235) rabbit        mAb, 1/2,000    -   Cell Signaling technology #3127, anti-Met (25H2) mouse mAb,        1/1,000    -   Sigma A1978, anti-b-Act mouse mAb, 1/30,000        Secondary Antibodies:    -   Invitrogen #A21076, Alexa Fluor® 680 Goat Anti-Rabbit IgG (H+L),        1/4,000    -   Rockland #610-732-124, Mouse IgG (H&L) Antibody IRDye800®        Conjugated Pre-adsorbed, 1/4,000        Results are Shown in FIGS. 1A-1D        In Vivo Pharmacokinetic Determination of Compound (I), Compound        A and their Metabolites in New Zealand White Rabbits.

Male New Zealand rabbits (Crl: KBL (NZW), Charles River, France) andfemale New Zealand rabbits (NZW INRA A1077, Centre Lago) were used. Percompound (compound of formula (I) and compound A) one male and twofemale rabbits were used with a mean weight of 2.6±0.2 kg. A completeplasma concentration time-profile was obtained from each individualanimal. Standard diet and tap water were available ad libitum. Compoundof formula (I) and compound A were both dissolved in a 10% (w/v)SBE-B-CD (sulfobutyl ether-beta-cyclodextrin) research grade (Captisol)solution at a final concentration of 1 mg/ml. HCl and PVP K30 were addedto facilitate dissolution of the compounds. After total dissolution, thepH was brought up to 2.6/2.7 with NaOH. The formulations were stored atroom temperature, protected from light and analysed quantitatively withLC-MS/MS on the day of preparation. Stability of the formulations waschecked on the day of dosing. Animals were dosed orally by gavage at 10ml/kg to obtain a final dose of 10 mg/kg. From each individual dosedanimal, blood samples were taken at 30 minutes, 1, 2, 4, 7 and 24 hoursafter oral administration. Blood was collected by multiple sampling froma lateral ear vein into Multivette® 600 K3E tubes (Sarstedt). Sampleswere placed immediately on melting ice and plasma was obtained followingcentrifugation at 4° C. for 10 minutes at approximately 1900×g. Allsamples were shielded from daylight and stored at ≤−18° C. prior toanalysis. Plasma samples were analysed for compound (I), compound A,metabolite 1, metabolite 2, N-desmethyl metabolite 3 (which wascalculated on the curve of N-desmethyl metabolite 4) and N-desmethylmetabolite 4 using a qualified research LC-MS/MS method. The keyanalytical performance (linearity, upper and lower limit ofquantification, accuracy and precision) of the method was reportedtogether with the plasma concentrations. The lower limit ofquantification (LLOQ) for plasma was 1.00 ng/ml for all compounds. Alimited pharmacokinetic analysis was performed using Phoenix™Professional (Version 6.2.1). A non-compartmental analysis using thelin/log trapezoidal rule with lin/log interpolation was used for alldata.

Results

Basic pharmacokinetic parameters of compound of formula (I) and itsmetabolites after single oral administration at 10 mg/kg of compound (I)in male and female rabbit. Compound A was also detected (impurity)

Compound N- of formula desmethyl (I) Compound A Metabolite 1 Metabolite2 metabolite 3 Cmax 3570 ± 2316 27.6 ± 17.4 57.5 ± 34.2 39.8 ± 13.1 738± 447 (ng/ml) Tmax (h) 0.5 ± 0.0 0.5 ± 0.0 2.3 ± 1.5 0.8 ± 0.3 1.2 ± 0.8T½ (h) ND* 2.1 ± 0.4 ND ND 4.4 ± 1.9 AUC0-last 8460 ± 6519 53.7 ± 40.6ND 127 ± 65  2308 ± 392  (ng · h/ml) AUC0-inf 8567 ± 6437 62.3 ± 47.8409 ± 7.0  152 ± 81  2356 ± 450  (ng · h/ml) MRT** (h) 4.6 ± 1.0 3.24 ±0.76 7.0 ± 0.7 3.8 ± 0.7 5.1 ± 0.3 *ND: not determined **MRT: meanresidence time (hours)

Basic pharmacokinetic parameters of compound A and its metabolites aftersingle oral administration at 10 mg/kg of compound A in male and femalerabbit.

N- desmethyl Compound A Metabolite 1 Metabolite 2 metabolite 4 Cmax 1830± 1361 126 ± 80  84.4 ± 55.9 299 ± 146 (ng/ml) Tmax (h) 1.0 ± 0.0 2.7 ±1.2 1.0 ± 0.0 1.3 ± 0.6 T½ (h) ND* ND 3.0 ± 0.5 ND AUC0-last 8187 ± 5735934 ± 336 341 ± 259 1494 ± 193  (ng · h/ml) AUC0-inf 8222 ± 5738 1054 ±421  439 ± 331 1507 ± 190  (ng · h/ml) MRT (h)** 5.2 ± 0.9 7.8 ± 1.4 5.0± 09  5.7 ± 0.9 *ND: not determined **MRT: mean residence time (hours)Metabolite 1:

6-{Difluoro[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazin-3-yl]methyl}quinolin-2(1H)-oneMetabolite 2:

6-{Difluoro[6-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazin-3-yl]methyl}quinolin-2(1H)-oneN-desmethyl metabolite 3;

N-desmethyl metabolite 4;

6-{Difluoro[6-(1H-pyrazol-4-yl)[1,2,4]triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazin-3-yl]methyl}quinolineAn In Vitro Study on the Inhibition of OCT2 (SLC22A2) Transport by theCompound of Formula (I)

This was tested using Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells, parental orstably transfected with OCT2. ¹⁴C-Metformin was used as OCT2 substrate.

CHO cell lines, parental and stably transfected with OCT2 were obtainedfrom Solvo Biotechnology (Hungary).

CHO cells were cultured in DMEM-F12 (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium)supplemented with 0.03 mg/mL L-Proline, 1% L-Glutamine, penicillin(50-100 U/mL), streptomycin (50-100 μg/mL) and 10% (v/v) foetal calf orbovine serum (FCS) further referred to as “CHO culture medium”.

1. OCT2 Inhibition Test

Compound Formulations

If needed, non-radiolabeled and radio-labeled compounds were mixed toobtain the proper chemical and radioactive concentration. Stocksolutions (200×) were prepared using the solvent indicated in the Tablebelow. Proper solvent controls were included. The test items and allreference and inhibitory compounds required are mentioned in Tablebelow.

For parental and OCT2 transfected CHO cell lines:

Substrates Inhibitors Incubation Fold Final Fold Final time CellIdentity Solvent dilution conc. Identity Solvent dilution conc.(s) (min)lines ¹⁴C- HBSS^(+/+) + 1x 10 μM Quinidine DMSO 200x 0, 300 μM 1 Parent& metformin 10 mM (10 OCT2 Hepes kBq/mL) Compound DMSO 200x 0, 0.3, 1, 1Parent & (pH 7.4) of formula 3, 10, 30, OCT2 (I) 100 μMIncubation ProcedureT=−24 Hours

Both, CHO parental and OCT2 cells were seeded into 24 well plates (1mL/well, 400 000 cells/well) in CHO culture medium.

Day of the Experiment

Transport experiments were performed in Hank's Balanced SaltSolution^(+Ca,+Mg)(HBSS^(+/+)) supplemented with 10 mM HEPES at pH 7.4.All media added to the cells and plates were kept at 37° C.

Before the incubation, the cells in each well were washed twice with 1mL HBSS^(+/+)+10 mM Hepes pH 7.4 at 37° C. Next, the incubation medium,containing reference substrate and the inhibitors (or inhibitor solvent)was added (250 μL/well).

At the time of dose administration (0 min), 150 μL of the dosingsolution was sampled in triplicate for determination of initialconcentrations by Liquid Scintillation Counting (LSC). During theincubation period, the plates were kept at 37° C.

To stop the reaction, 1.5 mL ice-cold HBSS^(+/+) was added to each welland the liquids were aspirated. Again, to each well 2 mL ice-coldHBSS^(+/+) was added and aspirated while keeping the plate angled.Following aspiration of the last well, all the wells were aspiratedagain taking care of not touching the cells.

To lyse the cells, 250 μL of Mammalian Protein Extraction Reagent(M-PER) lysis buffer was added to each well and the plates were shakenfor at least 10 minutes (400 rpm). For LSC, a 150 μL sample/well wastaken and for protein analysis a 25 μL sample/well. Protein analysis wascarried out according to the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) method.

Data Analysis

The data is expressed in picomoles per mg protein per minute and aspercentage of control (solvent control=DMSO). Sigmaplot was used tocalculate IC₅₀ values.

Results and Discussion

The uptake of ¹⁴C-Metformin (OCT2 substrate) was much higher (7.39 and17.2 fold) in the OCT2 transfected CHO cells compared to the parentalcells. This uptake was inhibited by the positive control inhibitor, 300μM quinidine (85.5% and 100%). These data indicate that the assayconditions used, worked efficiently to study the inhibitory effect ofthe test compound on OCT2 dependent transport.

The compound of formula (I) showed inhibition of ¹⁴C-Metformin uptake inOCT2 cells with an IC₅₀ of 0.67±0.02 μM.

Cytotoxicity Test

Cytotoxicity of the compound of formula (I) was determined at 100 μM,and this in both CHO parental and OCT2 cells. Also a 1% Triton-X100condition was included, as a positive control cytotoxic reagent. After 1minute of incubation the supernatant was aspirated, the dry cells washedtwice with 1 mL HBSS^(+/+)+10 mM Hepes pH 7.4 (37° C.). After aspirationof the buffer, a 1/10 dilution of the PrestoBlue™ Viability Reagent(Life Technologies) in HBSS^(+/+)+10 mM Hepes pH 7.4 was added andplates were incubated for 60 minutes at 37° C., protected from light.Each well was sampled (150 μL) in a black 96-well plate and fluorescencewas measured (Excitation: 560 nm/12 nm bandwith, Emission: 590 nm/12 nmbandwith).

Results and Discussion

For the compound of formula (I) at 100 μM no cytotoxic effects wereobserved. With the positive control cytotoxic reagent, a 1% solution ofTriton X-100, viability dropped dramatically (see below Table). Thisindicates that possible inhibitory effects are not related to a loss ofcell viability.

Cell Viability (%) (after 1 minute of incubation) in CHO in CHOCondition Parental cells OCT2 cells (DMSO control) 100 100 Compound of104 103 formula (I) 100 μM Triton X-100 1% 0 0Methods of Treatment/Prevention; Use of the Compound

In another aspect of the invention, the compound of the invention can beused to inhibit tyrosine kinase activity or expression, including c-Metactivity, reduce kinase activity or expression, including c-Metactivity, and modulate expression of c-Met in a cell or a subject, or totreat disorders related to c-Met kinase activity or expression in asubject. Inhibition of c-Met activity is believed to indirectly modulatec-Met expression.

In one embodiment to this aspect, the present invention provides amethod for reducing or inhibiting the kinase activity of c-Met, andmodulate expression of c-Met in a cell comprising the step of contactingthe cell with a compound of formula (I). The present invention alsoprovides a method for reducing or inhibiting the kinase activity ofc-Met, and modulate expression of c-Met in a subject comprising the stepof administering a compound of formula (I) to the subject. The presentinvention further provides a method of inhibiting cell proliferation ina cell comprising the step of contacting the cell with a compound offormula (I). The present invention further provides for the compound offormula (I) for reducing or inhibiting the kinase activity of c-Met, andmodulate expression of c-Met.

The term “subject” as used herein, refers to an animal, preferably amammal, most preferably a human, who has been the object of treatment,observation or experiment.

The term “contacting” as used herein, refers to the addition of compoundto cells such that compound is taken up by the cell.

In other embodiments to this aspect, the present invention provides bothprophylactic and therapeutic methods for treating a subject at risk of(or susceptible to) developing a cell proliferative disorder or adisorder related to c-Met. Such disorders include pre-existingconditions related to c-Met expression (or over expression) and/or c-Metmutation.

In one example, the invention provides methods for preventing in asubject a cell proliferative disorder or a disorder related to c-Met,comprising administering to the subject a prophylactically effectiveamount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound offormula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Administration ofsaid prophylactic agent can occur prior to the manifestation of symptomscharacteristic of the cell proliferative disorder or disorder related toc-Met, such that a disease or disorder is prevented or, alternatively,delayed in its progression. The invention provides for the compound offormula (I) for use in preventing a cell proliferative disorder or adisorder related to c-Met. The invention provides for the use of thecompound of formula (I) for the manufacture of a medicament forpreventing a cell proliferative disorder or a disorder related to c-Met.

In another example, the invention pertains to methods of treating in asubject a cell proliferative disorder or a disorder related to c-Metcomprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effectiveamount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising the compound offormula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. Administration ofsaid therapeutic agent can occur concurrently with the manifestation ofsymptoms characteristic of the disorder, such that said therapeuticagent serves as a therapy to compensate for the cell proliferativedisorder or disorders related to c-Met. The invention provides for thecompound of formula (I) for use in the treatment of a cell proliferativedisorder or a disorder related to c-Met. The invention provides for theuse of the compound of formula (I) for the manufacture of a medicamentfor the treatment of a cell proliferative disorder or a disorder relatedto c-Met.

In another example, the invention pertains to methods of modulating in asubject a cell proliferative disorder or a disorder related to c-Met,such that modulation of the level of c-Met expression or of c-Metactivity may act to ameliorate the cell proliferative disorder or adisorder related to c-Met, comprising administering to the subject atherapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising the compound of formula (I) and a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier. The invention provides for the compound of formula (I) for usein modulating a cell proliferative disorder or a disorder related toc-Met, such that modulation of the level of c-Met expression or of c-Metactivity may act to ameliorate the cell proliferative disorder or adisorder related to c-Met. The invention provides for the use of acompound of formula (I) for the manufacture of a medicament formodulating a cell proliferative disorder or a disorder related to c-Met,such that modulation of the level of c-Met expression or of c-Metactivity may act to ameliorate the cell proliferative disorder or adisorder related to c-Met.

The term “prophylactically effective amount” refers to an amount of anactive compound or pharmaceutical agent that inhibits or delays in asubject the onset of a disorder as being sought by a researcher,veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician.

The term “therapeutically effective amount” as used herein, refers to anamount of active compound or pharmaceutical agent that elicits thebiological or medicinal response in a subject that is being sought by aresearcher, veterinarian, medical doctor or other clinician, whichincludes alleviation of the symptoms of the disease or disorder beingtreated.

Methods are known in the art for determining therapeutically andprophylactically effective doses for the instant pharmaceuticalcomposition.

Methods are known in the art for determining therapeutically andprophylactically effective amounts for the instant compounds.

As used herein, the term “composition” is intended to encompass aproduct comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts,as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, fromcombinations of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

As used herein, the terms “disorders related to c-Met”, or “disordersrelated to c-Met receptor tyrosine kinase” shall include diseasesassociated with or implicating c-Met activity, for example, theoveractivity of c-Met, and conditions that accompany with thesediseases. The term “overactivity of c-Met” refers to either 1) c-Metexpression in cells which normally do not express c-Met; 2) c-Metactivity by cells which normally do not possess active c-Met; 3)increased c-Met expression leading to unwanted cell proliferation; or 4)mutations leading to constitutive activation of c-Met. Examples of“disorders related to c-Met” include disorders resulting from overstimulation of c-Met due to abnormally high amount of c-Met or mutationsin c-Met, or disorders resulting from abnormally high amount of c-Metactivity due to abnormally high amount of c-Met or mutations in c-Met.

It is known that overactivity of c-Met has been implicated in thepathogenesis of a number of diseases, such as cell proliferativedisorders, neoplastic disorders and cancers.

The term “cell proliferative disorders” refers to unwanted cellproliferation of one or more subset of cells in a multicellular organismresulting in harm (i.e., discomfort or decreased life expectancy) to themulticellular organisms. Cell proliferative disorders can occur indifferent types of animals and humans. Cell proliferative disordersinclude neoplastic disorders (as used herein, a “neoplastic disorder”refers to a tumor resulting from abnormal or uncontrolled cellulargrowth) and other cell proliferative disorders.

Examples of cell proliferative disorders related to c-Met, includetumors and cancers—for instance, hereditary and sporadic human papillaryrenal carcinomas, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, gastric carcinoma,glioma, ovarian cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, head and neck squamouscell carcinomas, testicular carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, livercarcinoma, sarcoma, malignant pleural mesothelioma, melanoma, multiplemyeloma, osteosarcoma, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, synovialsarcoma, thyroid carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and smallcell lung cancer, transitional cell carcinoma of urinary bladder,testicular carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, liver carcinoma—includingleukemias, lymphomas, and myelomas—for instance, acute lymphocyticleukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute promyelocyticleukemia (APL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), chronic myeloidleukemia (CML), chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL), acuteundifferentiated leukemia (AUL), anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (ALCL),prolymphocytic leukemia (PML), juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML),adult T-cell ALL, AML with trilineage myelodysplasia (AML/TMDS), mixedlineage leukemia (MLL), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs),myeloproliferative disorders (MPD), multiple myeloma, (MM), myeloidsarcoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's disease (also calledHodgkin's lymphoma)—and diseases associated with the formation of newvasculature, such as rheumatoid, arthritis, and retinopathy.

Other cell proliferative disorders in which overactivity of c-Met hasbeen implicated in their pathogenesis include cancers in which c-Metactivity contributes to the invasive/metastatic phenotype, includingcancers in which c-Met is not overexpressed or otherwise altered.

In a further embodiment to this aspect, the invention encompasses acombination therapy for treating or inhibiting the onset of a cellproliferative disorder or a disorder related to c-Met in a subject. Thecombination therapy comprises administering to the subject atherapeutically or prophylactically effective amount of a compound offormula (I), and one or more other anti-cell proliferation therapyincluding chemotherapy, radiation therapy, gene therapy andimmunotherapy.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the compound of the presentinvention may be administered in combination with chemotherapy. As usedherein, chemotherapy refers to a therapy involving a chemotherapeuticagent. Thus, the present invention relates to a combination of acompound of formula (I) and another chemotherapeutic agent. A variety ofchemotherapeutic agents may be used in the combined treatment methodsdisclosed herein. Chemotherapeutic agents contemplated as exemplary,include, but are not limited to: platinum compounds (platinum containinganti-cancer drug) (e.g., cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin); taxanecompounds (e.g., paclitaxcel, docetaxol); campotothecin compounds(irinotecan, topotecan); vinca alkaloids (e.g., vincristine,vinblastine, vinorelbine); anti-tumor nucleoside derivatives (e.g.,5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, gemcitabine, capecitabine); alkylatingagents (e.g., cyclophosphamide, carmustine, lomustine, thiotepa);epipodophyllotoxins/podophyllotoxins (e.g. etoposide, teniposide);aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane);anti-estrogen compounds (e.g., tamoxifen, fulvestrant), antifolates(e.g., premetrexed disodium); hypomethylating agents (e.g.,azacitidine); biologics (e.g., gemtuzamab, cetuximab, rituximab,pertuzumab, trastuzumab, bevacizumab, erlotinib);antibiotics/anthracylines (e.g. idarubicin, actinomycin D, bleomycin,daunorubicin, doxorubicin, mitomycin C, dactinomycin, carminomycin,daunomycin); antimetabolites (e.g., clofarabine, aminopterin, cytosinearabinoside, methotrexate); tubulin-binding agents (e.g. combretastatin,colchicine, nocodazole); topoisomerase inhibitors (e.g., camptothecin);differentiating agents (e.g., retinoids, vitamin D and retinoic acid);retinoic acid metabolism blocking agents (RAMBA) (e.g., accutane);kinase inhibitors (e.g., flavoperidol, imatinib mesylate, gefitinib);famesyltransferase inhibitors (e.g., tipifarnib); histone deacetylaseinhibitors; inhibitors of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (e.g.,bortezomib, Yondelis); FGFR (fibroblast growth factor receptor)inhibitors.

In an embodiment, chemotherapeutic agents that may in particular be usedin combinations as described herein are platinum compounds (platinumcontaining anti-cancer drugs) (e.g. cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin)in particular in view of the OCT2 inhibiting activity of the compound offormula (I). This combination may reduce the side effects of theplatinum compounds and hence may provide for a longer treatment periodwith the platinum compounds. Thus, the invention relates to acombination of a compound of formula (I) and a platinum containinganti-cancer drug, such as for example cisplatin, carboplatin,oxaliplatin. In an aspect, the present invention relates to a productcontaining as first active ingredient a platinum containing anti-cancerdrug, such as for example cisplatin, carboplatin, oxaliplatin, and assecond active ingredient a compound of formula (I), as a combinedpreparation for simultaneous, separate or sequential use in thetreatment of patients suffering from cancer.

In the combinations of the present invention, the platinum containinganti-cancer drug, such as for example cisplatin, carboplatin,oxaliplatin, and the compound of formula (I) may be formulated inseparate pharmaceutical dosage forms, that can be sold independentlyfrom each other, but with the indication or instruction for theircombined use. Said indication or instruction can be in the form of apatient leaflet or the like, or in the form of any communication, forinstance in written or oral form.

In an embodiment, chemotherapeutic agents that may in particular be usedin combinations as described herein are FGFR inhibitors. Thesecombinations may be of particular interest in that the cMet inhibitor offormula (I) can be used to prevent resistance, delay resistance, preventemergence of resistance or delay the emergence of resistance of a tumouror a cancer to a FGFR inhibitor, in particular a FGFR inhibitor asdescribed herein.

In an aspect, the present invention relates to a product containing asfirst active ingredient a FGFR inhibitor, and as second activeingredient a compound of formula (I), as a combined preparation forsimultaneous, separate or sequential use in the treatment of patientssuffering from cancer.

The FGFR inhibitor and the compound of formula (I) may be administeredsimultaneously (e.g. in separate or unitary compositions) orsequentially in either order. In the latter case, the two compounds willbe administered within a period and in an amount and manner that issufficient to ensure that an advantageous or synergistic effect isachieved. It will be appreciated that the preferred method and order ofadministration and the respective dosage amounts and regimes for eachcomponent of the combination will depend on the particular othermedicinal agent and compounds of the combinations of the presentinvention being administered, their route of administration, theparticular tumour being treated and the particular host being treated.The optimum method and order of administration and the dosage amountsand regime can be readily determined by those skilled in the art usingconventional methods and in view of the information set out herein.

The weight ratio of the compounds of the combinations may be determinedby the person skilled in the art. Said ratio and the exact dosage andfrequency of administration depends on the particular compounds of thecombinations, the particular condition being treated, the severity ofthe condition being treated, the age, weight, gender, diet, time ofadministration and general physical condition of the particular patient,the mode of administration as well as other medication the individualmay be taking, as is well known to those skilled in the art.Furthermore, it is evident that the effective daily amount may belowered or increased depending on the response of the treated subjectand/or depending on the evaluation of the physician prescribing thecombinations of the instant invention. The weight-by-weight ratio forthe FGFR inhibitor and the compound of formula (I) may range from 1/10to 10/1, more in particular from 1/5 to 5/1, even more in particularfrom 1/3 to 3/1.

In one embodiment, the FGFR inhibitor and the compound of formula (I) ofthe combinations of the present invention are administered sequentiallyin either order, on separate dosing schedules. In this case, the twocompounds will be administered within a period and in an amount andmanner that is sufficient to ensure that an advantageous or synergisticeffect is achieved.

In the combinations of the present invention, the FGFR inhibitor and thecompound of formula (I) may be formulated in separate pharmaceuticaldosage forms, that can be sold independently from each other, but withthe indication or instruction for their combined use. Said indication orinstruction can be in the form of a patient leaflet or the like, or inthe form of any communication, for instance in written or oral form.

In the combinations of the present invention, the FGFR inhibitor and thecompound of formula (I) can be administered via the same route ofadministration or via different routes of administration.

In one embodiment, the FGFR inhibitor and the compound of formula (I) ofthe combinations of the present invention are administered via the sameroute of administration, in particular via oral route.

The present invention also relates to a pharmaceutical product or acommercial package comprising a combination according to the presentinvention, in particular together with instructions for simultaneous,separate or sequential use in the treatment of an FGFR tyrosine kinaseactivity mediated disease, especially a cancer.

In one embodiment, in the combinations of the present invention, theFGFR inhibitor and the compound of formula (I) are administeredsimultaneously.

In case of a combination of the present invention comprising compound Xor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof asthe FGFR inhibitor it may be advantageous to administer said compoundless frequent than the compound of formula (I) because compound X showslysosomotropic properties and prolonged target shut down.

The FGFR inhibitor and the compound of formula (I) of the combinationsof the present invention may also be co-formulated in a singleformulation.

In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and as afirst active ingredient a FGFR inhibitor, in particular a compoundselected fromN-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N′-(1-methylethyl)-N-[3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)quinoxalin-6-yl]ethane-1,2-diamineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof, andN-(2-fluoro-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)-3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazin-6-amineor a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvate thereof; andas a second active ingredient the compound of formula (I).

Examples of FGFR Inhibitors

*)N-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N′-(1-methylethyl)-N-[3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)quinoxalin-6-yl]ethane-1,2-diamine(compound X) is represented by the following formula

*)N-(2-fluoro-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)-3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazin-6-amine(compound Y) is represented by the following formula

CompoundsN-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N′-(1-methylethyl)-N-[3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)quinoxalin-6-yl]ethane-1,2-diamine(compound X) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvatethereof, andN-(2-fluoro-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-N-(1H-imidazol-2-ylmethyl)-3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)pyrido[2,3-b]pyrazin-6-amine(compound Y) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a solvatethereof, and their chemical synthesis are described in WO2011/135376 andWO2013/061080, which are incorporated herein by reference. They aredescribed as inhibitors or modulators of the activity of certain proteintyrosine kinases, in particular FGFR, and thus the compounds are usefulin the treatment or prophylaxis, in particular the treatment, of diseasestates or conditions mediated by those tyrosine kinases, in particularFGFR. The compounds are useful in the treatment or prophylaxis, inparticular the treatment, of cancer.

In WO2011/135376 present compound X is also exemplified as ahydrochloride salt. In WO2013/061080 present compound Y is alsoexemplified as a sulfate salt, as a hydrochloride salt, as a phosphatesalt, as a lactate salt, as a fumarate salt.

The FGFR kinase inhibitors compound X and Y described herein have adifferentiated selectivity profile which provides a new opportunity touse these targeted agents in patient sub-groups whose disease is drivenby FGFR deregulation. The FGFR kinase inhibitors compound X and Ydescribed herein exhibit reduced inhibitory action on additionalkinases, particularly VEGFR, more in particular VEGFR2, and PDGFR, inparticular PDGFR-beta, and offer the opportunity to have adifferentiated side-effect or toxicity profile and as such allow for amore effective treatment of these indications. Inhibitors of VEGFR2 andPDGFR-beta are associated with toxicities such as hypertension or oedemarespectively. In the case of VEGFR2 inhibitors this hypertensive effectis often dose limiting, may be contraindicated in certain patientpopulations and requires clinical management. The FGFR kinase inhibitorscompound X and Y described herein are FGFR1, 2, 3 and 4 inhibitors.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGFR)

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a polypeptide, is mitogenicfor endothelial cells in vitro and stimulates angiogenic responses invivo. VEGF has also been linked to inappropriate angiogenesis. VEGFR(s)are protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs). PTKs catalyze the phosphorylationof specific tyrosine residues in proteins involved in cell function thusregulating cell growth, survival and differentiation.

Three PTK receptors for VEGF have been identified: VEGFR-1 (Flt-1);VEGFR-2 (Flk-1 or KDR) and VEGFR-3 (Flt-4). These receptors are involvedin angiogenesis and participate in signal transduction. Of particularinterest is VEGFR-2, which is a transmembrane receptor PTK expressedprimarily in endothelial cells. Activation of VEGFR-2 by VEGF is acritical step in the signal transduction pathway that initiates tumourangiogenesis. VEGF expression may be constitutive to tumour cells andcan also be upregulated in response to certain stimuli. One such stimuliis hypoxia, where VEGF expression is upregulated in both tumour andassociated host tissues. The VEGF ligand activates VEGFR-2 by bindingwith its extracellular VEGF binding site. This leads to receptordimerization of VEGFRs and autophosphorylation of tyrosine residues atthe intracellular kinase domain of VEGFR-2. The kinase domain operatesto transfer a phosphate from ATP to the tyrosine residues, thusproviding binding sites for signalling proteins downstream of VEGFR-2leading ultimately to initiation of angiogenesis.

PDGFR

A malignant tumour is the product of uncontrolled cell proliferation.Cell growth is controlled by a delicate balance between growth-promotingand growth-inhibiting factors. In normal tissue the production andactivity of these factors results in differentiated cells growing in acontrolled and regulated manner that maintains the normal integrity andfunctioning of the organ. The malignant cell has evaded this control;the natural balance is disturbed (via a variety of mechanisms) andunregulated, aberrant cell growth occurs. A growth factor of importancein tumour development is the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) thatcomprises a family of peptide growth factors that signal through cellsurface tyrosine kinase receptors (PDGFR) and stimulate various cellularfunctions including growth, proliferation, and differentiation.

*) BGJ398(3-(2,6-dichloro-3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)-1-[6-[4-(4-ethylpiperazin-1-yl)anilino]pyrimidin-4-yl]-1-methylurea)having the following formula

*) AZD-4547(N-(5-(3,5-dimethoxyphenethyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)-4-((3S,5R)-3,5-dimethylpiperazin-1-yl)benzamide)having the following formula

*) PD 173074(N-[2-[[4-(Diethylamino)butyl]amino]-6-(3,5-dimethoxyphenyl)pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidin-7-yl]-N′-(1,1-dimethylethyl)urea)having the following formula

*) LY-2874455((R,E)-2-(4-(2-(5-(1-(3,5-dichloropyridin-4-yl)ethoxy)-1H-indazol-3-yl)vinyl)-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)ethano 1)having the following formula

*) Brivanib (alaninate)(S)-(R)-1-((4-((4-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-indol-5-yl)oxy)-5-methylpyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazin-6-yl)oxy)propan-2-yl2-aminopropanoate.*) Intedanib

*) Dovitinib*) Cediranib

*) Masitinib

*) Orantinib

*) Ponatinib (AP24534)

*) E-7080 (lenvatinib)

*) E-3810 (luciatnib)

*) BAY 1163877, TAS-120, ARQ087, ASP5878, FF284,*) Antibodies or related compounds, such as for example HGS1036/FP-1039;MFGR1877S; AV-370; GP369/AV-396b; HuGAL-FR21; monoclonal antibodies (BAY1179470, RG-7444)

Further useful agents for the combinations as described herein includeverapamil, a calcium antagonist found to be useful in combination withantineoplastic agents to establish chemosensitivity in tumor cellsresistant to accepted chemotherapeutic agents and to potentiate theefficacy of such compounds in drug-sensitive malignancies. See Simpson WG, The calcium channel blocker verapamil and cancer chemotherapy. CellCalcium. 1985 December; 6(6):449-67. Additionally, yet to emergechemotherapeutic agents are contemplated as being useful in combinationwith the compound of the present invention.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the compound of thepresent invention may be administered in combination with radiationtherapy. As used herein, “radiation therapy” refers to a therapycomprising exposing the subject in need thereof to radiation. Suchtherapy is known to those skilled in the art. The appropriate scheme ofradiation therapy will be similar to those already employed in clinicaltherapies wherein the radiation therapy is used alone or in combinationwith other chemotherapeutics.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the compound of thepresent invention may be administered in combination with a genetherapy. As used herein, “gene therapy” refers to a therapy targeting onparticular genes involved in tumor development. Possible gene therapystrategies include the restoration of defective cancer-inhibitory genes,cell transduction or transfection with antisense DNA corresponding togenes coding for growth factors and their receptors, RNA-basedstrategies such as ribozymes, RNA decoys, antisense messenger RNAs andsmall interfering RNA (siRNA) molecules and the so-called ‘suicidegenes’.

In other embodiments of this invention, the compound of the presentinvention may be administered in combination with an immunotherapy. Asused herein, “immunotherapy” refers to a therapy targeting particularprotein involved in tumor development via antibodies specific to suchprotein. For example, monoclonal antibodies against vascular endothelialgrowth factor have been used in treating cancers.

Where a second pharmaceutical is used in addition to the compound of thepresent invention, the two pharmaceuticals may be administeredsimultaneously (e.g. in separate or unitary compositions) sequentiallyin either order, at approximately the same time, or on separate dosingschedules. In the latter case, the two compounds will be administeredwithin a period and in an amount and manner that is sufficient to ensurethat an advantageous or synergistic effect is achieved. It will beappreciated that the preferred method and order of administration andthe respective dosage amounts and regimes for each component of thecombination will depend on the particular chemotherapeutic agent beingadministered in conjunction with the compound of the present invention,their route of administration, the particular tumor being treated andthe particular host being treated.

As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, theappropriate doses of chemotherapeutic agents will be generally similarto or less than those already employed in clinical therapies wherein thechemotherapeutics are administered alone or in combination with otherchemotherapeutics.

The optimum method and order of administration and the dosage amountsand regime can be readily determined by those skilled in the art usingconventional methods and in view of the information set out herein.

By way of example only, platinum compounds are advantageouslyadministered in a dosage of 1 to 500 mg per square meter (mg/m²) of bodysurface area, for example 50 to 400 mg/m², particularly for cisplatin ina dosage of about 75 mg/m² and for carboplatin in about 300 mg/m² percourse of treatment. Cisplatin is not absorbed orally and must thereforebe delivered via injection intravenously, subcutaneously, intratumorallyor intraperitoneally.

By way of example only, taxane compounds are advantageously administeredin a dosage of 50 to 400 mg per square meter (mg/m²) of body surfacearea, for example 75 to 250 mg/m², particularly for paclitaxel in adosage of about 175 to 250 mg/m² and for docetaxel in about 75 to 150mg/m² per course of treatment.

By way of example only, camptothecin compounds are advantageouslyadministered in a dosage of 0.1 to 400 mg per square meter (mg/m²) ofbody surface area, for example 1 to 300 mg/m², particularly foririnotecan in a dosage of about 100 to 350 mg/m² and for topotecan inabout 1 to 2 mg/m² per course of treatment.

By way of example only, vinca alkaloids may be advantageouslyadministered in a dosage of 2 to 30 mg per square meter (mg/m²) of bodysurface area, particularly for vinblastine in a dosage of about 3 to 12mg/m², for vincristine in a dosage of about 1 to 2 mg/m², and forvinorelbine in dosage of about 10 to 30 mg/m² per course of treatment.

By way of example only, anti-tumor nucleoside derivatives may beadvantageously administered in a dosage of 200 to 2500 mg per squaremeter (mg/m²) of body surface area, for example 700 to 1500 mg/m².5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is commonly used via intravenous administrationwith doses ranging from 200 to 500 mg/m² (preferably from 3 to 15mg/kg/day). Gemcitabine is advantageously administered in a dosage ofabout 800 to 1200 mg/m² and capecitabine is advantageously administeredin about 1000 to 2500 mg/m² per course of treatment.

By way of example only, alkylating agents may be advantageouslyadministered in a dosage of 100 to 500 mg per square meter (mg/m²) ofbody surface area, for example 120 to 200 mg/m², particularly forcyclophosphamide in a dosage of about 100 to 500 mg/m², for chlorambucilin a dosage of about 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg of body weight, for carmustine ina dosage of about 150 to 200 mg/m², and for lomustine in a dosage ofabout 100 to 150 mg/m² per course of treatment.

By way of example only, podophyllotoxin derivatives may beadvantageously administered in a dosage of 30 to 300 mg per square meter(mg/m²) of body surface area, for example 50 to 250 mg/m², particularlyfor etoposide in a dosage of about 35 to 100 mg/m² and for teniposide inabout 50 to 250 mg/m² per course of treatment.

By way of example only, anthracycline derivatives may be advantageouslyadministered in a dosage of 10 to 75 mg per square meter (mg/m²) of bodysurface area, for example 15 to 60 mg/m², particularly for doxorubicinin a dosage of about 40 to 75 mg/m², for daunorubicin in a dosage ofabout 25 to 45 mg/m², and for idarubicin in a dosage of about 10 to 15mg/m² per course of treatment.

By way of example only, anti-estrogen compounds may be advantageouslyadministered in a dosage of about 1 to 100 mg daily depending on theparticular agent and the condition being treated. Tamoxifen isadvantageously administered orally in a dosage of 5 to 50 mg, preferably10 to 20 mg twice a day, continuing the therapy for sufficient time toachieve and maintain a therapeutic effect. Toremifene is advantageouslyadministered orally in a dosage of about 60 mg once a day, continuingthe therapy for sufficient time to achieve and maintain a therapeuticeffect. Anastrozole is advantageously administered orally in a dosage ofabout 1 mg once a day. Droloxifene is advantageously administered orallyin a dosage of about 20-100 mg once a day. Raloxifene is advantageouslyadministered orally in a dosage of about 60 mg once a day. Exemestane isadvantageously administered orally in a dosage of about 25 mg once aday.

By way of example only, biologics may be advantageously administered ina dosage of about 1 to 5 mg per square meter (mg/m²) of body surfacearea, or as known in the art, if different. For example, trastuzumab isadvantageously administered in a dosage of 1 to 5 mg/m² particularly 2to 4 mg/m² per course of treatment.

Dosages may be administered, for example once, twice or more per courseof treatment, which may be repeated for example every 7, 14, 21 or 28days.

The compound of the present invention can be administered to a subjectsystemically, for example, intravenously, orally, subcutaneously,intramuscular, intradermal, or parenterally. The compound of the presentinvention can also be administered to a subject locally. Non-limitingexamples of local delivery systems include the use of intraluminalmedical devices that include intravascular drug delivery catheters,wires, pharmacological stents and endoluminal paving. In particular, thecompound of the present invention is administered orally.

The compound of the present invention can further be administered to asubject in combination with a targeting agent to achieve high localconcentration of the compound at the target site. In addition, thecompound of the present invention may be formulated for fast-release orslow-release with the objective of maintaining the drugs or agents incontact with target tissues for a period ranging from hours to weeks.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising a compound of formula (I) in association with apharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The pharmaceutical composition maycontain between about 0.1 mg and 1000 mg, preferably about 100 to 500mg, of the compound, and may be constituted into any form suitable forthe mode of administration selected.

The phrases “pharmaceutically acceptable” refer to molecular entitiesand compositions that do not produce an adverse, allergic or otheruntoward reaction when administered to an animal, or a human, asappropriate. Veterinary uses are equally included within the inventionand “pharmaceutically acceptable” Compositions include compositions forboth clinical and/or veterinary use.

Carriers include necessary and inert pharmaceutical excipients,including, but not limited to, binders, suspending agents, lubricants,flavorants, sweeteners, preservatives, dyes, and coatings. Compositionssuitable for oral administration include solid forms, such as pills,tablets, caplets, capsules (each including immediate release, timedrelease and sustained release formulations), granules, and powders, andliquid forms, such as solutions, syrups, elixirs, emulsions, andsuspensions. Forms useful for parenteral administration include sterilesolutions, emulsions and suspensions.

The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention also includes apharmaceutical composition for slow release of the compound of thepresent invention. The composition includes a slow release carrier(typically, a polymeric carrier) and a compound of the presentinvention.

Slow release biodegradable carriers are well known in the art. These arematerials that may form particles that capture therein an activecompound(s) and slowly degrade/dissolve under a suitable environment(e.g., aqueous, acidic, basic, etc) and thereby degrade/dissolve in bodyfluids and release the active compound(s) therein. The particles arepreferably nanoparticles (i.e., in the range of about 1 to 500 nm indiameter, preferably about 50-200 nm in diameter, and most preferablyabout 100 nm in diameter).

The present invention also provides methods to prepare thepharmaceutical compositions of this invention. The compound of formula(I), as the active ingredient, is intimately admixed with apharmaceutical carrier according to conventional pharmaceuticalcompounding techniques, which carrier may take a wide variety of formsdepending on the form of preparation desired for administration, e.g.,oral or parenteral such as intramuscular. In preparing the compositionsin oral dosage form, any of the usual pharmaceutical media may beemployed. Thus, for liquid oral preparations, such as for example,suspensions, elixirs and solutions, suitable carriers and additivesinclude water, glycols, oils, alcohols, flavoring agents, preservatives,coloring agents and the like; for solid oral preparations such as, forexample, powders, capsules, caplets, gelcaps and tablets, suitablecarriers and additives include starches, sugars, diluents, granulatingagents, lubricants, binders, disintegrating agents and the like. Becauseof their ease in administration, tablets and capsules represent the mostadvantageous oral dosage unit form, in which case solid pharmaceuticalcarriers are obviously employed. If desired, tablets may be (sugar)coated or enteric coated by standard techniques. For parenterals, thecarrier will usually comprise sterile water, though other ingredients,for example, for purposes such as aiding solubility or for preservation,may be included. Injectable suspensions may also be prepared, in whichcase appropriate liquid carriers, suspending agents and the like may beemployed. In preparation for slow release, for instance, a slow releasecarrier, typically a polymeric carrier, and a compound of the presentinvention are first dissolved or dispersed in an organic solvent. Theobtained organic solution is then added into an aqueous solution toobtain an oil-in-water-type emulsion. Preferably, the aqueous solutionincludes surface-active agent(s). Subsequently, the organic solvent isevaporated from the oil-in-water-type emulsion to obtain a colloidalsuspension of particles containing the slow release carrier and thecompound of the present invention.

The pharmaceutical compositions herein will contain, per dosage unit,e.g., tablet, capsule, powder, injection, teaspoonful and the like, anamount of the active ingredient necessary to deliver an effective doseas described above. The pharmaceutical compositions herein will contain,per unit dosage unit, e.g., tablet, capsule, powder, injection,suppository, teaspoonful and the like, from about 0.01 mg to 200 mg/kgof body weight per day. Preferably, the range is from about 0.03 toabout 100 mg/kg of body weight per day, most preferably, from about 0.05to about 10 mg/kg of body weight per day. The compound may beadministered on a regimen of 1 to 5 times per day. The dosages, however,may be varied depending upon the requirement of the patients, theseverity of the condition being treated and the compound being employed.The use of either daily administration or post-periodic dosing may beemployed.

Preferably these compositions are in unit dosage forms such as tablets,pills, capsules, powders, granules, sterile parenteral solutions orsuspensions, metered aerosol or liquid sprays, drops, ampoules,auto-injector devices or suppositories; for oral parenteral, intranasal,sublingual or rectal administration, or for administration by inhalationor insufflation. Alternatively, the composition may be presented in aform suitable for once-weekly or once-monthly administration; forexample, an insoluble salt of the active compound, such as the decanoatesalt, may be adapted to provide a depot preparation for intramuscularinjection. For preparing solid compositions such as tablets, theprincipal active ingredient is mixed with a pharmaceutical carrier, e.g.conventional tableting ingredients such as corn starch, lactose,sucrose, sorbitol, talc, stearic acid, magnesium stearate, dicalciumphosphate or gums, and other pharmaceutical diluents, e.g. water, toform a solid preFormulation composition containing a homogeneous mixtureof a compound of the present invention, or a pharmaceutically acceptablesalt thereof. When referring to these preFormulation compositions ashomogeneous, it is meant that the active ingredient is dispersed evenlythroughout the composition so that the composition may be readilysubdivided into equally effective dosage forms such as tablets, pillsand capsules. This solid preFormulation composition is then subdividedinto unit dosage forms of the type described above containing from 0.1to about 500 mg of the active ingredient of the present invention. Thetablets or pills of the novel composition can be coated or otherwisecompounded to provide a dosage form affording the advantage of prolongedaction. For example, the tablet or pill can comprise an inner dosage andan outer dosage component, the latter being in the form of an envelopeover the former. The two components can be separated by an enteric layerwhich serves to resist disintegration in the stomach and permits theinner component to pass intact into the duodenum or to be delayed inrelease. A variety of material can be used for such enteric layers orcoatings, such materials including a number of polymeric acids with suchmaterials as shellac, acetyl alcohol and cellulose acetate.

The liquid forms in which the compound of formula (I) may beincorporated for administration orally or by injection include, aqueoussolutions, suitably flavored syrups, aqueous or oil suspensions, andflavored emulsions with edible oils such as cottonseed oil, sesame oil,coconut oil or peanut oil, as well as elixirs and similar pharmaceuticalvehicles. Suitable dispersing or suspending agents for aqueoussuspensions, include synthetic and natural gums such as tragacanth,acacia, alginate, dextran, sodium carboxymethylcellulose,methylcellulose, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone or gelatin. The liquid forms insuitably flavored suspending or dispersing agents may also include thesynthetic and natural gums, for example, tragacanth, acacia,methyl-cellulose and the like. For parenteral administration, sterilesuspensions and solutions are desired. Isotonic preparations whichgenerally contain suitable preservatives are employed when intravenousadministration is desired.

Advantageously, the compound of formula (I) may be administered in asingle daily dose, or the total daily dosage may be administered individed doses of two, three or four times daily. Furthermore, compoundsfor the present invention can be administered in intranasal form viatopical use of suitable intranasal vehicles, or via transdermal skinpatches well known to those of ordinary skill in that art. To beadministered in the form of a transdermal delivery system, the dosageadministration will, of course, be continuous rather than intermittentthroughout the dosage regimen.

For instance, for oral administration in the form of a tablet orcapsule, the active drug component can be combined with an oral,non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable inert carrier such as ethanol,glycerol, water and the like. Moreover, when desired or necessary,suitable binders; lubricants, disintegrating agents and coloring agentscan also be incorporated into the mixture. Suitable binders include,without limitation, starch, gelatin, natural sugars such as glucose orbeta-lactose, corn sweeteners, natural and synthetic gums such asacacia, tragacanth or sodium oleate, sodium stearate, magnesiumstearate, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, sodium chloride and the like.Disintegrators include, without limitation, starch, methyl cellulose,agar, bentonite, xanthan gum and the like.

The daily dosage of the compound of the present invention may be variedover a wide range from 1 to 5000 mg per adult human per day. For oraladministration, the compositions are preferably provided in the form oftablets containing, 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 15.0,25.0, 50.0, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 500 milligrams of the activeingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patientto be treated. An effective amount of the drug is ordinarily supplied ata dosage level of from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 200 mg/kg of bodyweight per day. Particularly, the range is from about 0.03 to about 100mg/kg or from about 0.03 to about 15 mg/kg of body weight per day, andmore particularly, from about 0.05 to about 10 mg/kg of body weight perday. The compound of the present invention may be administered on aregimen up to four or more times per day, preferably of 1 to 2 times perday.

Optimal dosages to be administered may be readily determined by thoseskilled in the art, and will vary with the particular compound used, themode of administration, the strength of the preparation, the mode ofadministration, and the advancement of the disease condition. Inaddition, factors associated with the particular patient being treated,including patient age, weight, diet and time of administration, willresult in the need to adjust dosages.

The compounds of the present invention can also be administered in theform of liposome delivery systems, such as small unilamellar vesicles,large unilamellar vesicles, and multilamellar vesicles. Liposomes can beformed from a variety of lipids, including but not limited toamphipathic lipids such as phosphatidylcholines, sphingomyelins,phosphatidylethanolamines, phophatidylcholines, cardiolipins,phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylglycerols, phosphatidic acids,phosphatidylinositols, diacyl trimethylammonium propanes, diacyldimethylammonium propanes, and stearylamine, neutral lipids such astriglycerides, and combinations thereof. They may either containcholesterol or may be cholesterol-free.

The compound of the present invention can also be administered locally.Any delivery device, such as intravascular drug delivery catheters,wires, pharmacological stents and endoluminal paving, may be utilized.The delivery system for such a device may comprise a local infusioncatheter that delivers the compound at a rate controlled by theadministrator.

The present invention provides a drug delivery device comprising anintraluminal medical device, preferably a stent, and a therapeuticdosage of a compound of the invention.

The term “stent” refers to any device capable of being delivered by acatheter. A stent is routinely used to prevent vascular closure due tophysical anomalies such as unwanted inward growth of vascular tissue dueto surgical trauma. It often has a tubular, expanding lattice-typestructure appropriate to be left inside the lumen of a duct to relievean obstruction. The stent has a lumen wall-contacting surface and alumen-exposed surface. The lumen-wall contacting surface is the outsidesurface of the tube and the lumen-exposed surface is the inner surfaceof the tube. The stent can be polymeric, metallic or polymeric andmetallic, and it can optionally be biodegradable.

Commonly, stents are inserted into the lumen in a non-expanded form andare then expanded autonomously, or with the aid of a second device insitu. A typical method of expansion occurs through the use of acatheter-mounted angioplasty balloon which is inflated within thestenosed vessel or body passageway in order to shear and disrupt theobstructions associated with the wall components of the vessel and toobtain an enlarged lumen. Self-expanding stents as described in U.S.Pat. No. 6,776,796 (Falotico et al.) may also be utilized. Thecombination of a stent with drugs, agents or compounds that preventinflammation and proliferation, may provide the most efficacioustreatment for post-angioplastry restenosis.

The compound of formula (I) can be incorporated into or affixed to thestent in a number of ways and in utilizing any number of biocompatiblematerials. In one exemplary embodiment, the compound is directlyincorporated into a polymeric matrix, such as the polymer polypyrrole,and subsequently coated onto the outer surface of the stent. Thecompound elutes from the matrix by diffusion through the polymer. Stentsand methods for coating drugs on stents are discussed in detail in theart. In another exemplary embodiment, the stent is first coated with asa base layer comprising a solution of the compound,ethylene-co-vinylacetate, and polybutylmethacrylate. Then, the stent isfurther coated with an outer layer comprising onlypolybutylmethacrylate. The outlayer acts as a diffusion barrier toprevent the compound from eluting too quickly and entering thesurrounding tissues.

The thickness of the outer layer or topcoat determines the rate at whichthe compound elutes from the matrix. Stents and methods for coating arediscussed in detail in WIPO publication WO9632907, U.S. Publication No.2002/0016625 and references disclosed therein.

The solution of the compound of the invention and the biocompatiblematerials/polymers may be incorporated into or onto a stent in a numberof ways. For example, the solution may be sprayed onto the stent or thestent may be dipped into the solution. In a preferred embodiment, thesolution is sprayed onto the stent and then allowed to dry. In anotherexemplary embodiment, the solution may be electrically charged to onepolarity and the stent electrically changed to the opposite polarity. Inthis manner, the solution and stent will be attracted to one another. Inusing this type of spraying process, waste may be reduced and morecontrol over the thickness of the coat may be achieved. Compound ispreferably only affixed to the outer surface of the stent that makescontact with one tissue. However, for some compounds, the entire stentmay be coated. The combination of the dose of compound applied to thestent and the polymer coating that controls the release of the drug isimportant in the effectiveness of the drug. The compound preferablyremains on the stent for at least three days up to approximately sixmonths and more, preferably between seven and thirty days.

Any number of non-erodible biocompatible polymers may be utilized inconjunction with the compound of the invention. It is important to notethat different polymers may be utilized for different stents. Forexample, the above-described ethylene-co-vinylacetate andpolybutylmethacrylate matrix works well with stainless steel stents.Other polymers may be utilized more effectively with stents formed fromother materials, including materials that exhibit superelasticproperties such as alloys of nickel and titanium.

Restenosis is responsible for a significant morbidity and mortalityfollowing coronary angioplasty. Restenosis occurs through a combinationof four processes including elastic recoil, thrombus formation, intimahyperplasia and extracellular matrix remodeling. Several growth factorshave been recently identified to play a part in these processes leadingto restenosis. See Schiele T M et. al., 2004, “Vascularrestenosis—striving for therapy.” Expert Opin Pharmacother.5(11):2221-32. Vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) express c-Metreceptor. Exposure to hepatocyte growth factor, the ligand for c-Met,stimulates these cells to exhibit a migratory phenotype. See Taher et.al., Hepatocyte growth factor triggers signaling cascades mediatingvascular smooth muscle cell migration. Biochem Biophys Res Commun.(2002) 298(1):80-6; Morishita R, Aoki M, Yo Y, Ogihara T. Hepatocytegrowth factor as cardiovascular hormone: role of HGF in the pathogenesisof cardiovascular disease. Endocr J. (2002) June; 49(3):273-84. SinceVSMC migration from the media to the intima of arteries plays a role inthe development of atherosclerosis and restenosis, antagonists of c-Metkinase activity are believed to present a viable therapeutic strategy inthe treatment of these diseases.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a method for the treatmentof disorders related to c-Met, including restenosis, intimal hyperplasiaor inflammation, in blood vessel walls, comprising the controlleddelivery, by release from an intraluminal medical device, such as astent, of the compound of the invention in therapeutically effectiveamounts. The present invention also provides for the compound of formula(I) for use in the treatment of disorders related to c-Met, includingrestenosis, intimal hyperplasia or inflammation, in blood vessel walls.

Methods for introducing a stent into a lumen of a body are well knownand the compound-coated stents of this invention are preferablyintroduced using a catheter.

As will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art, methodswill vary slightly based on the location of stent implantation. Forcoronary stent implantation, the balloon catheter bearing the stent isinserted into the coronary artery and the stent is positioned at thedesired site. The balloon is inflated, expanding the stent. As the stentexpands, the stent contacts the lumen wall. Once the stent ispositioned, the balloon is deflated and removed. The stent remains inplace with the lumen-contacting surface bearing the compound directlycontacting the lumen wall surface. Stent implantation may be accompaniedby anticoagulation therapy as needed.

Optimum conditions for delivery of the compound for use in the stent ofthe invention may vary with the different local delivery systems used,as well as the properties and concentrations of the compounds used.Conditions that may be optimized include, for example, theconcentrations of the compounds, the delivery volume, the delivery rate,the depth of penetration of the vessel wall, the proximal inflationpressure, the amount and size of perforations and the fit of the drugdelivery catheter balloon. Conditions may be optimized for inhibition ofsmooth muscle cell proliferation at the site of injury such thatsignificant arterial blockage due to restenosis does not occur, asmeasured, for example, by the proliferative ability of the smooth musclecells, or by changes in the vascular resistance or lumen diameter.Optimum conditions can be determined based on data from animal modelstudies using routine computational methods.

Another alternative method for administering compounds of this inventionmay be by conjugating the compound to a targeting agent which directsthe conjugate to its intended site of action, i.e., to vascularendothelial cells, or to tumor cells. Both antibody and non-antibodytargeting agents may be used. Because of the specific interactionbetween the targeting agent and its corresponding binding partner, acompound of the present invention can be administered with high localconcentrations at or near a target site and thus treats the disorder atthe target site more effectively.

The antibody targeting agents include antibodies or antigen-bindingfragments thereof, that bind to a targetable or accessible component ofa tumor cell, tumor vasculature, or tumor stroma. The “targetable oraccessible component” of a tumor cell, tumor vasculature or tumorstroma, is preferably a surface-expressed, surface-accessible orsurface-localized component. The antibody targeting agents also includeantibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof, that bind to anintracellular component that is released from a necrotic tumor cell.Preferably such antibodies are monoclonal antibodies, or antigen-bindingfragments thereof, that bind to insoluble intracellular antigen(s)present in cells that may be induced to be permeable, or in cell ghostsof substantially all neoplastic and normal cells, but are not present oraccessible on the exterior of normal living cells of a mammal. In thepresent invention, the targetable or accessible component might be thec-Met receptor as it is accessible and expressed on or near the targettissues.

As used herein, the term “antibody” is intended to refer broadly to anyimmunologic binding agent such as IgG, IgM, IgA, IgE, F(ab′)2, aunivalent fragment such as Fab′, Fab, Dab, as well as engineeredantibodies such as recombinant antibodies, humanized antibodies,bispecific antibodies, and the like. The antibody can be either thepolyclonal or the monoclonal, although the monoclonal is preferred.There is a very broad array of antibodies known in the art that haveimmunological specificity for the cell surface of virtually any solidtumor type (see a Summary Table on monoclonal antibodies for solidtumors in U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,866 to Thorpe et al). Methods are known tothose skilled in the art to produce and isolate antibodies against tumor(U.S. Pat. No. 5,855,866 to Thorpe et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,342,219to Thorpe et al.).

Techniques for conjugating therapeutic moiety to antibodies are wellknown, see, e.g., Amon et al., “Monoclonal Antibodies ForImmunotargeting Of Drugs In Cancer Therapy”, in Monoclonal AntibodiesAnd Cancer Therapy, Reisfeld et al. (eds.), pp. 243-56 (Alan R. Liss,Inc. 1985); Hellstrom et al., “Antibodies For Drug Delivery”, inControlled Drug Delivery (2nd Ed.), Robinson et al. (eds.), pp. 623-53(Marcel Dekker, Inc. 1987); Thorpe, “Antibody Carriers Of CytotoxicAgents In Cancer Therapy: A Review”, in Monoclonal Antibodies '84:Biological And Clinical Applications, Pinchera et al. (eds.), pp.475-506 (1985). Similar techniques can also be applied to attachcompounds of the invention to non-antibody targeting agents. Thoseskilled in the art will know, or be able to determine, methods offorming conjugates with non-antibody targeting agents, such as smallmolecules, oligopeptides, polysaccharides, or other polyanioniccompounds.

Although any linking moiety that is reasonably stable in blood, can beused to link the compounds of the present invention to the targetingagent, biologically-releasable bonds and/or selectively cleavablespacers or linkers are preferred. “Biologically-releasable bonds” and“selectively cleavable spacers or linkers” still have reasonablestability in the circulation, but are releasable, cleavable orhydrolysable only or preferentially under certain conditions, i.e.,within a certain environment, or in contact with a particular agent.Such bonds include, for example, disulfide and trisulfide bonds andacid-labile bonds, as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,474,765 and5,762,918 and enzyme-sensitive bonds, including peptide bonds, esters,amides, phosphodiesters and glycosides as described in U.S. Pat. Nos.5,474,765 and 5,762,918. Such selective-release design featuresfacilitate sustained release of the compounds from the conjugates at theintended target site.

The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprisingan effective amount of a compound of the present invention conjugated toa targeting agent and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The present invention further provides a method of treating of adisorder related to c-Met, particularly a tumor, comprisingadministering to a subject a therapeutically effective amount of acompound of formula (I) conjugated to a targeting agent. The presentinvention further provides for the compound of formula (I) conjugated toa targeting agent for use in the treatment of a disorder related toc-Met, particularly a tumor. The present invention further provides forthe use of a compound of formula (I) conjugated to a targeting agent forthe preparation of a medicament for the treatment of a disorder relatedto c-Met, particularly a tumor.

When proteins such as antibodies or growth factors, or polysaccharidesare used as targeting agents, they are preferably administered in theform of injectable compositions. The injectable antibody solution willbe administered into a vein, artery or into the spinal fluid over thecourse of from 2 minutes to about 45 minutes, preferably from 10 to 20minutes. In certain cases, intradermal and intracavitary administrationare advantageous for tumors restricted to areas close to particularregions of the skin and/or to particular body cavities. In addition,intrathecal administrations may be used for tumors located in the brain.

Therapeutically effective dose of the compound of the present inventionconjugated to a targeting agent depends on the individual, the diseasetype, the disease state, the method of administration and other clinicalvariables. The effective dosages are readily determinable using datafrom an animal model. Experimental animals bearing solid tumors arefrequently used to optimize appropriate therapeutic doses prior totranslating to a clinical environment. Such models are known to be veryreliable in predicting effective anti-cancer strategies. For example,mice bearing solid tumors, are widely used in pre-clinical testing todetermine working ranges of therapeutic agents that give beneficialanti-tumor effects with minimal toxicity.

HGF/MET pathway has been implicated in inducing a more immunosuppressivetumor microenvironment directly by regulating T cell activity as well asindirectly by inducing enzymes responsible for T cell anergy. Metpathway inhibition by the compound of formula (I) may therefore primeimmune response to checkpoint blocking agents (checkpoint blockingagents include for examples blocking agents of PD-1 and CTLA-4) as wellas alleviate tumor induced immuno suppression and activate host immuneresponse.

While the foregoing specification teaches the principles of the presentinvention, with examples provided for the purpose of illustration, itwill be understood that the practice of the invention encompasses all ofthe usual variations, adaptations and/or modifications as come withinthe scope of the following claims and their equivalents.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A compound of formula (I)

a N-oxide, a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof,wherein D represents deuterium and wherein the deuterium content in the2-position of the quinoline at the D position is at least 50%.
 2. Thecompound according to claim 1, wherein the compound is

base.
 3. The compound according to claim 1, wherein the deuteriumcontent in the 2-position of the quinoline at the D position is at least93%.
 4. The compound according to claim 3, wherein the deuterium contentin the 2-position of the quinoline at the D position is at least 95%. 5.The compound according to claim 4, wherein the deuterium content in the2-position of the quinoline at the D position is at least 98%.
 6. Apharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptablecarrier, and as active ingredient a therapeutically effective amount ofthe compound of claim
 1. 7. A process of preparing the compound of claim1, the process comprising: reductive deuteration of an intermediate offormula (II) wherein W₁ represents chloro, bromo or iodo in the presenceof deuterium gas and in the presence of a suitable catalyst, a suitablesolvent or solvent mixture, and a suitable base,

wherein D represents deuterium; optionally, converting the compound offormula (I), into a therapeutically active non-toxic acid addition saltby treatment with an acid, or conversely, converting the acid additionsalt form into a free base by treatment with alkali, or, optionally,preparing, solvates or N-oxide forms thereof.
 8. A combination of thecompound of claim 1 and another chemotherapeutic agent.
 9. Thecombination according to claim 8, wherein the chemotherapeutic agent isa kinase inhibitor.
 10. The combination according to claim 9, whereinthe kinase inhibitor is a fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR)inhibitor.
 11. The combination according to claim 8, wherein thechemotherapeutic agent is a platinum containing anti-cancer drug. 12.The compound according to claim 3, wherein the compound is

base.
 13. The compound according to claim 4, wherein the compound is

base.
 14. The compound according to claim 5, wherein the compound is

base.
 15. The compound according to claim 1, wherein the deuteriumcontent in the 2-position of the quinoline at the D position is at least60%.
 16. The compound according to claim 1, wherein the deuteriumcontent in the 2-position of the quinoline at the D position is at least70%.
 17. The compound according to claim 1, wherein the deuteriumcontent in the 2-position of the quinoline at the D position is at least80%.